Vicars Monthly Letter
December 2008
Wonder Full
Dear Friends,
I’m sure you’ll remember, like me, those TV ads promoting the “Wonder of Woolies” as Christmas approached each year. Sadly, staff employed by Woolies will now be wondering whether the store will still be trading in 2009, its centenary year.
They will not be alone this Christmas in wondering what the future might hold in these volatile times. And yet, compared with Christians elsewhere in the world, we have it easy.
Remember (please) those who would want to celebrate the birth of Christ but can only do so openly at the risk of violent persecution.
Remember (please) those who live under oppressive regimes, in the midst of conflict or climate change - homeless, starvation and suffering with disease.
Against this background, we might be tempted to wonder if there’s much to celebrate. And yet, through the season of Advent and at Christmas, we remember that the promises and the purposes of God are truly ‘wonder full’ and worthy of celebration.
At Christmas we celebrate the birth of the One about whom Isaiah prophesied in these words, “And he will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9v.6)
There’s scholarly debate about where that first comma should be. But, if like me, you can’t read those words without hearing the music of Handel’s Messiah, you’ll know where he, at least, put the comma!
At Christmas we celebrate that God did not look at the unholy mess we had made of his creation and wash his hands of humanity.
The wonder is that God chose to enter into that mess. In the person of Jesus, God shared our human experience of that mess to begin the process of re-creation.
The wonder of Christmas is the coming of God in the One called Wonderful. The One whose first cot was a cattle trough; whose family sought asylum in Egypt when he was an infant; who worked as builder; was arrested, tried, tortured and then executed, even though innocent.
We prepare for that celebration during the season of Advent. The focus of the season is Christ’s promise to return and to bring in a new heaven and new earth. Made possible by his sacrificial death and heralded by his resurrection and ascension.
The wonder of Advent is God’s promise that, in the end, justice, goodness and life will prevail over injustice, evil and even death. May that increasingly be true in our own lives by God’s grace this Advent.
Have a wonder full Advent and Christmas!
Your brother in Christ,
Stephen
November 2008
The Peace of the Lord
Dear Friends,
The events that take place in the Church in the month of November have much to say on the subject of Peace.
Early in the month we will observe Remembrance Sunday, 90 years on from the end of the war that was meant to end wars. Sadly, it did not and we will be remembering all who have given their lives in the cause of peace.
This event should be a salutary reminder that true peace is not just the absence of war but the presence of freedom and justice for all. Sometimes it can only be established by the use of force and often comes at the high price of people’s lives.
This is not just true of disputes between countries but also within a country. The Bible teaches that it is the God-given duty of those in authority to make laws that are just and to enforce them in a proportionate way. It is our duty as Christians to obey the law: read Romans 13:1-5, if you doubt me.
In a democracy, when those in authority behave badly they can be removed from power through the ballot box. Where this is not possible, civil disobedience and, ultimately, proportionate force may be justified.
The Trade Union movement in this country, set up to overcome unjust treatment of workers, was started by committed Christians.
The last two Sundays in November are designated ‘Christ the King’ and ‘Advent’, respectively.
On the first, we celebrate the fact that “all authority in heaven and on earth has been given” to Jesus Christ by God his Father. The very term ‘Christ’ means ‘anointed one’ and echoes the anointing often received by earthly kings.
The reality that Christ is King of all kings is a cause for celebration for He has demonstrated his great love and care for the world. He came to overthrow evil, sin and death not by force but by His death on a cross. His victory was declared when God raised His Son to eternal life.
Through His great act of self-giving Jesus provides the way to make peace with God through faith in Him. He gives us the capacity to make peace with one another by the power of the Holy Spirit. He has left behind the legacy of an inner peace that is unique and passes understanding.
Advent Sunday begins a period of preparation before the celebration of Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
We prepare by remembering that Christ will come again in heavenly glory to bring in the kingdom of God - His perfect rule. A kingdom of both justice and peace; for one cannot exist without the other.
All this makes very profound the simple greeting with which I close. “The peace of the Lord be always with you.”
Your brother in Christ,
Stephen
October 2008
Happy Birthday Dad!
Dear Friends,
In the middle of this month our family will mark a special occasion. My dad will celebrate his 90th birthday and we’ll be having a family get together. Something that doesn’t happen very often because we’re scattered around the country.
On the occasion of his birthday he sometimes says that the best birthday present he ever got was me! Yes, we share the same birth day.
Statisticians tell us that living to 90 and beyond is becoming much more common in this country. In 1991 a quarter of a million people reached the age of 90. In 2009 the figure will have nearly doubled to 460,000.
In many cases, those who reach this age will have had an experience of church attendance as children and young people. Many still have a strong faith even though they are unable to attend Sunday worship in church.
This is certainly the case for two housebound members of St George’s whom I visit and who are well into their 90’s.
British society today has become so child and youth orientated that there is a danger of undervaluing the elderly. This is not so in other cultures and certainly not how the Bible calls us to view them.
Long years are seen as a gift from God and the elderly are to be respected for the wisdom they have accumulated over the years.
“Grey hair is a crown of splendour; it is attained by a righteous life.” says Proverbs 16v.31.
Reaching a great age brings its own problems and limitations, of course. Quite recently moves were made to ensure that medical care was not withheld solely on the basis of a person’s age.
The Church has an important part to play in modelling a godly concern and care for older people. Two opportunities to do so occur this month.
At a recent Deanery Synod we considered the spiritual needs of the elderly. It was decided to set up a local contact group for people who felt particularly called to this area of ministry.
The first meeting of this group takes place on Wednesday 1st October at Holy Trinity Church, Stalybridge from 7:30pm. It will be facilitated by Jenny Gillies - a Diocesan officer experienced in this field - and is open to all.
The second is to support the work of our own 70 Club; a small group, lead by Brenda James, who do home visiting and organise events for older Church members. Do go along to the Cream Tea on 11th October. Learn more about what they do as you enjoy a delicious scone and a cup of tea.
Your friend and brother in Christ,
Stephen
September 2008
VIP’s
Dear Friends,
Have you ever experienced queuing for hours in a hot airport or kicking your heels on a cold railway station platform, waiting for your plane/ train to arrive and for boarding to begin? You may have had that experience going on holiday this summer.
If you have, perhaps you’ve felt rather envious of those who have purchased or been given the privilege of VIP status: instant check-in, free refreshments and an air-conditioned place to sit and wait in comfort.
It’s very comforting to know that God has no favourites and loves each one of us with an equal passion. There is no first or second class with God. We’re all VIP’s in His sight.
This was something that the early church realised as it saw God pouring out the Holy Spirit on everyone who turned to Jesus Christ, his Son - regardless of nationality, class, age or gender.
In the words of Peter, the Apostle, “I now realise how true it is that God does not show favouritism ...” (Acts 10:34)
God, the Father, sent his Son to show his love for us and restore our relationship with himself. Jesus suffered and died to make that possible.
On a day of God’s choosing, Jesus will come again and bring in a new heaven and earth. Our eternal destination will be revealed at that time.
While we wait for that day, God would have us live confident that our eternal destination is heaven.
God also wants us to live this life to the full. We do so through a relationship with Jesus (John 10:10), through the presence of the Holy Spirit and in the community of faith that we call the Church.
The Church should be a community within which we can develop our relationship with God. A community in which we know each one is a VIP in God’s sight and treat one another accordingly.
In speaking with those who have recently become members of St George’s Church, this has been their experience. How wonderful it is to hear that God is moulding us more and more into such a community.
Back to Church Sunday on 28th September is a lovely opportunity for each one of us to invite back to Church someone we know who used to attend but no longer does.
A small leaflet will be available during September to help us pray for our VIP. It then doubles as an invitation that we can pass to them with words such as, “Would you like to come to Church with me?”
There is a third section that they can use to give us feedback on how they found us.
Don’t forget to mention that we now serve toast in the VIP lounge!
Your friend and brother in Christ,
Stephen
August 2008
Mind The Gap
Dear Friends,
August is a month when many of us enjoy a bit more space in our busy lives - take things at a more leisurely pace - enjoy a change of scenery and the warmer weather.
I hope a good number will enjoy a genteel afternoon in the vicarage garden on 9th August - enjoying a salmon sandwich a delicious scone and a cup of tea, or three - and all in a good cause too.
These days many young people take a gap year between college and university or before entering full time employment. It can be an important educational and maturing experience.
In the recent years two courses have been run at St George’s aimed at filling gaps in our spiritual lives. And I am planning to run them again from September.
The Alpha Course has been around the world and for many years. Its longevity and its use by most Christian denominations, speaks of its quality and the engaging manner and sincerity of its presenter, Nicky Gumble.
Around 40 in St George’s have done Alpha so there’s plenty of opportunity to get a local opinion.
Whether you would like to fill in some gaps in your understanding of the Christian faith, deepen your relationship with Jesus or come to know Him personally for the first time, Alpha could be right for you.
The second course on offer in September is the Doorway Course.
We were among the very first group of churches to run this course. The few who attended were very impressed.
Doorway is designed for those who have completed an Alpha Course and want to continue to fill in gaps in their knowledge of the Bible, the Church and how faith works in the wider world.
Doorway at St George’s will be open to participates from any local Anglican Church. This gives us the chance to meet other local Christians and hear from people of a tradition different from ours. We have much to learn from one another.
It is a sad fact that many Church members never engage in any structured learning once they leave Sunday School or a Church Youth Group.
The gaps that we have in our understanding or our relationship with God can sometimes mean we are ill-equipped to get the most out of life or handle the storms that come our way.
An announcer’s voice on the London underground warns those waiting to board an incoming train to “Mind the Gap”. Do reflect on the spiritual gaps in your life this August and think seriously about beginning to fill them this September with knowledge, understanding and a deeper experience of the God revealed in Jesus Christ.
Your friend and brother in Christ,
Stephen
July 2008
'One World, One Dream'
Dear Friends,
As ‘Messenger week’ approaches each month, I ask Marion the same question. “What should I write about in the Vicar’s letter?”
Being wise, she usually doesn’t give me any suggestions! But this month she said, “Tell ’em about our holiday in Madeira”. And, in a way, that was prophetic.
Something I do to unwind on holiday is to read a book that I wouldn’t normally read. This time I read a book that had caught my eye in the airport - a history of ‘The Great Wall’ of China by John Man.
Not only does he chart the 2000 year history of the Wall but gives fascinating insights into the Chinese character and way of thinking.
The growth of China’s prosperity, power and influence in the world has been phenomenal. The abuse of human rights shown by its leadership, both within China and in its foreign policies, is disturbing. But China will not go away and the world has to deal with that reality.
Many lobbied for the upcoming Olympic Games in Beijing to be boycotted in protest, particularly at China’s treatment of Tibet. It’s interesting that Tibet’s spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, wants the games to go ahead.
Until recently, China has been a very closed society. The Beijing Olympics not only give China an opportunity to promote itself, it lays itself open to outside influences.
The Church in China, particularly the more evangelical and mission orientated Churches, has been suppressed and severely persecuted. But, read on in this edition and see clear evidence that God is still at work in China.
The motto for the Beijing Games is “One World, One Dream”. There is indeed just One World for us all to share and the Bible tells us that that world is God’s world.
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” we read in the opening verse of Psalm 24.
What China’s Dream is for this One World I wouldn’t like to guess. The Bible gives us a very good idea of what God’s wants the world to be like. God came in the person of Jesus Christ to show us and to reconcile the world to himself through his death and resurrection.
God the Holy Spirit brings the Church in prophesy, visions and dreams an understanding of God’s will for His creation. (Acts 2:17)
Language, culture, international borders are no barrier to the Spirit of God. Let’s pray at this important moment for the Church in China and the hundreds of Christian sports men and women who will be in China this summer. May China’s One Dream become God’s Dream for His World.
Your friend and brother in Christ,
Stephen
June 2008
'Born Again'
Dear Friends,
I was surprised, saddened and shocked when I heard the results of the voting on the recent Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill.
The most disturbing aspect for me was the decision not to reduce the maximum term for abortion from the current 24 weeks to at least 20 weeks - the image opposite is of a foetus at 5 months.
But the Bill contained a very varied set of issues on which MP’s were asked to decide.
The rightness of producing hybrid animal-human embryos. The requirement for there to be a father around before IVF treatment is approved. The selection of a “saviour sibling” embryo from the several that IVF produces. The rights of the unborn child against those of its mother to abort it.
The science surrounding some of these decisions is very complex and uncertain. If it were not so, the issues would not be so divisive.
But I began to think more simply (some might say more ‘childishly’, others more ‘child-like’) about this particular range of issues.
As I did I found they came up against key Biblical principles. And in a way that only reinforced in my mind how wrong all the decisions taken in parliament had been - with the possible exception of one.
In Genesis, it is made very clear how special humanity is in God’s creation. We are the only beings created ‘in the image of God’. When God brought the animals to Adam, ‘no suitable companion’ for him could be found among them.
Producing hybrid human-animal embryos is surely wrong.
The predominant image that God has given us, in Old and New Testament, for our relationship with Himself is that of Father and child.
Jesus taught his disciples to pray to ‘our Father in heaven’. Fathers are so important!
Reducing the importance of a father’s presence in the nurture of a child to zero is surely wrong.
Jesus had a radical view of children - valued them in a way that was most unusual at that time.
Jesus spoke to Nicodemus about entering the kingdom of God in terms of being ’born again’. Jesus would die that we might be born again as children of God through faith in Him and by the Spirit.
God, in Jesus Christ, has shown such a love for his ‘un-born’ children. Surely we must show the same for the unborn child.
God’s love for us is so great that He came and took flesh in the womb of Mary. He became one of us (our ‘Brother’) in the person of Jesus Christ. Is Christ, then, the supreme ‘Saviour Sibling’?
What do you think?
Your friend and brother in Christ,
Stephen
May 2008
'Election'
Dear Friends,
Over passed weeks the topic of elections have never left the news headlines.
From the outbreak of violence following the Kenyan elections; the delayed announcement of the election results in Zimbabwe; the very close race in the Democratic Party primaries to elect a presidential election candidate in the USA; and the upcoming local government elections in the UK.
On St George’s day evening we had our own Annual Church meeting and elected new members to our Church Council. Actually, we had just enough candidates to fill all vacancies and so we didn’t have to go to a vote!
Elections are very important because they give communities, countries and even Churches an opportunity to chose to whom they will give the authority and responsibility to make policies and take decisions on their behalf.
I would take this opportunity to encourage all who are eligible to vote on 1st May. Furthermore, I would suggest that, as Christians, we have a responsibility to vote for candidates whose policies echo Christian values. A love for neighbour and a special concern and care for the most needy and vulnerable in our community, regardless of their ethnicity.
In ‘earthly’ elections the many elect individuals to positions of power and authority for the purpose of governing for the common good. As in many other things, God turns the whole matter of election on its head.
God is not democratic. Because He is Creator and Sustainer of all things, He is sovereign over all. This should be a huge relief to humanity because God is not only perfect in power but also in justice, mercy and love.
And the Bible teaches that it is not we who elect God but it is God who elects us. We see this from the choosing of Abram and his descendants, by way of the judges, kings and prophets of the Old Testament, to the actions of God in Jesus Christ and the activity of the Spirit of God in forming the Church.
We hear it in the words of Jesus to his first disciples. Normally, young men would choose which of the various Rabbi to follow and learn from. But Jesus reminds them, “You did not me but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last.” (John 15:16)
In their letters to the Church both Paul (Titus 1:1) and Peter (1Peter 1:1) refer to them (and so us) as ‘God’s elect’.
As members of the Church, we have the awesome Privilege of being elected by God. He gives us awesome Power through the gift of the Holy Spirit. He calls us to fulfil His perfect Purposes in the world. Let’s Pray we do so in our lives.
Your friend and brother in Christ,
Stephen
April 2008
'Good News People'
Dear Friends,
Some years ago a TV news presenter got himself into hot water for criticising the amount of bad news that was being broadcast. Well, I don’t think very much has or will change in the way the media reports the news of the world.
Rather than complain, I think Christians should rejoice that they have a wide-open, niche market to fill with Good News.
Jesus came calling people to “repent and believe the Good News.” (Mark 1:15)
Just how good that news is was revealed through the events of Good Friday and Easter.
God in Jesus Christ entered the evil and suffering in the world and took upon himself the very worst that man could inflict on man. And yet he still spoke words of forgiveness as they crucified him.
The ‘News’ that came from the mouth of the empty tomb, the angels and the lips of the risen Lord Jesus himself was indeed ‘Good’.
Evil had been defeated by goodness; sin by forgiveness; hatred by love; and death by the eternal life of God.
This is the Good News of Easter that the risen Lord Jesus gave to his disciples. They were to broadcast it to every nation, by word and deed, and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Surely Jesus’ words to them are also words to each and every Christian. “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you. Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:21f)
In a series of sermons that runs through the season of Easter, we’ll be looking at what it means to be ‘Good News People’.
To help us, we’ll be looking at the record of the early Church and some individual Christians that we find in the book of Acts.
If the message of Easter really is Good News, how did those first Christians Receive it, Live it, Die it, and Obey it? These are the questions the series will seek to answer.
In most of our Home Groups we’ll be looking at just what the Good News is in more detail and how we might share it in 21st Century Britain.
Elsewhere in this edition of The Messenger you’ll find news of a Conference on our doorstep at St John’s Dukinfield, on how Churches might be Good News in the wider community. Do go along on Saturday 5th April, if you can.
If not, why not come along to Prayer Stop in the lounge and do what every one of us can do for the Church and the World - pray!
Have a joyful Eastertide!
Your friend and brother in Christ,
Stephen
March 2008
'The Passion'
Dear Friends,
Ask someone if they’re ‘passionate’ about someone or something and you’ll expect a whole range of answers.
Today, being passionate is often equated with expressing erotic love for another person. But people can also get passionate about a football team, steam engines, a certain type of music, dogs or food.
The original meaning of the word ‘passion’ is ‘suffering’. I guess the word began to be applied to the intense feeling we can have for someone, or even something, because it can produce within us something akin to pain.
The 5th Sunday in Lent is traditionally known as Passion Sunday and begins the season of Passiontide that runs until Easter.
During the days of Passiontide the Church is encouraged to reflect on the passion i.e. the suffering, of the Lord Jesus Christ.
We often find ourselves focussing on the physical pain that Christ suffered when he was flogged and then crucified.
But the gospels also point to the pain He suffered as his own people rejected him while his disciples fled and even publicly denied him.
On the cross, the crowd mocked, taunted and tempted him to ‘come down and save yourself’. But there He stayed - to the end.
Perhaps the greatest pain by far was expressed by Jesus in that final cry of dereliction, ’My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Most see in that cry the moment when Christ took ‘the sins of the world’ upon himself and suffered the terrible consequence - separation from God and death.
We must never forget that the suffering of the Son at that moment was also surely experienced by the Father and Holy Spirit. Dare we say, the very ‘fabric’ of the Trinity was torn by our sin at that moment.
Why God was willing to endure that suffering is the very heart of the gospel - the good news. It was ‘because God so loved the world …’ Because God is passionate about us.
Love and pain are often bedfellows, in our own lives. In bereavement or the suffering of a loved one. Watching a wayward son or daughter harm themselves. Our suffering is a measure of our love - of our passion for them.
Surely, the right response to the passion of God, revealed in Christ, is a passionate one. So, may we be a people passionate in our worship of God, passionate in our prayers, passionate in our service of others and passionate in our desire to share the good news of God’s passion for us all.
Do take the opportunity to read about the upcoming BBC 1 series ‘The Passion’ in this edition.
Have a passionate Easter!
Your friend and brother in Christ,
Stephen
February 2008
'Ash Wednesday'
Dear Friends,
I hope that you will all take the time to read and reflect upon Donald Allister’s article ‘Experiencing Lent’ in the Chester Diocesan News or February.
In it he encourages us to make extra time for studying the Bible, ideally in the company of others.
This Lent our home groups will again be using a resource from York Courses to look at the Lord’s Prayer in five sessions.
You’ll find more details about the course content and where and when our home groups meet, over the page. Why not join a group just for Lent 08?
The beginning of the season of Lent is marked by many Churches with a special service on Ash Wednesday in which anyone who wishes can receive the sign of the cross, marked in ash, on their forehead.
The PCC agreed that this symbolic act should be offered this year at St George’s. It’s important that the meaning of and background to the practice is understood.
In the Old Testament we read how God’s chosen people Israel often sinned against God. When they came to their senses and turned back to God in sorrow and repentance this was often accompanied by the act of covering their head with ashes and even wearing rough clothing (read two examples in Job 42:6 and Jeremiah 6:26).
Jesus even alludes to the practice as an outward sign of a true and heart-felt repentance in Matthew 20:21.
In the very early Christian Church, it was the custom for those who were preparing for baptism at Easter to have ash sprinkled on their heads at the beginning of the 40 day period of preparation.
Very soon, those already baptised adopted the practice as a sign of their repentance too.
The practice of ashing was abolished by the 16th century Reformers - fearing anything that obscured the truth that forgiveness can only be found through faith in Jesus Christ and his death on a cross for our sins.
Today, many find ashing in the shape of the cross a powerful reminder of both our mortality and God’s saving grace.
These words from God to disobedient Adam are used at the signing, “From dust you came and to dust you will return…” (Gen. 3:19) But the sign of the empty cross speaks of God’s offer of forgiveness and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.
It is my hope and those on the worship sub-group that this act will enrich and deepen our understanding and experience of God’s grace this Lent.
Your friend and brother in Christ,
Stephen
January 2008
'The Stig and Jesus'
Dear Friends,
We really hit the bulls-eye with one of our presents this year. Just for fun, we bought a remote controlled car for our son. Even though he’s an adult (or perhaps because he is!) he was delighted. The main reason being that it was packaged as a “Top Gear” product, complete with The Stig as its model driver.
What I wasn’t expecting was to receive the same present from my daughter! We had a great time over Christmas racing our cars around the lounge.
If all this is not part of your world, let me explain. “Top Gear” is a TV programme that looks at the latest cars -usually from the top of the range - with the help of three off-the-wall (or should that be ‘off-the-crash barrier’), male chauvinist presenters. It has a huge ‘cult’ following.
One of the other regulars on the programme is the mysterious character known as The Stig. He is an expert test driver and puts the powerful cars through their paces round the “Top Gear” test track. The thing is that he never speaks. On camera, he never removes his helmet to show his face. The running question on the show is, “Who is The Stig?”
Many people outside the Church would ask the same question about Jesus. “Who is Jesus?” To many, he is just a name. It’s important that we who follow Jesus know the answer to that question.
During the Sundays of January we’ll look at the person of Jesus. Like The Stig, He drove a perfect line around the bends and through the chicanes of life. He never left the track that had been designed by God his Father. And, in the end, he won the race.
The Stig achieves his victories by completing the circuit in the fastest time as he crosses the finish line. But it was at a time of his choosing that Jesus won His victory - once and for all - over sin and death. He took a perfect line to the Cross. There, as he died, he cried, “It is finished!”
“A strange victory,” many would say. We need to be able to explain how it is a victory and not a defeat. How we can share in His victory and the new life it brings.
The word Epiphany means to reveal something that was hidden. Jesus, unlike The Stig, was not silent but spoke with the authority of God himself. Jesus, also came to show us the face of God in all he did and said. He is God with the ‘helmet off’.
The beginning of a New Year is often the time when we resolve to do something important.
Let’s get to know Jesus better during 2008 and so get into ‘top gear’ for the race of our lives.
Have a very Happy New Year!
Your friend and brother in Christ,
Stephen